chant

Obsolete, chaunt

[chant, chahnt]

noun

1. a short, simple melody, especially one characterized by single notes to which an indefinite number of syllables are intoned, used in singing psalms, canticles, etc., in church services.

2. a psalm, canticle, or the like, chanted or for chanting.

3. the singing or intoning of all or portions of a liturgical service.

4. any monotonous song.

5. a song; singing.

   the chant of a bird.

6. a monotonous intonation of the voice in speaking.

7. a phrase, slogan, or the like, repeated rhythmically and insistently, as by a crowd.

verb (used with object)

1. to sing to a chant, or in the manner of a chant, especially in a church service.

2. to sing.

3. to celebrate in song.

4. to repeat (a phrase, slogan, etc.) rhythmically and insistently.

verb (used without object)

1. to sing.

2. to utter a chant.

chant

/ tʃɑːnt /

noun

1. a simple song or melody

2. a short simple melody in which several words or syllables are assigned to one note, as in the recitation of psalms

3. a psalm or canticle performed by using such a melody

4. a rhythmic or repetitious slogan, usually spoken or sung, as by sports supporters, etc

5. monotonous or singsong intonation in speech

verb

1. to sing or recite (a psalm, prayer, etc) as a chant

2. to intone (a slogan) rhythmically or repetitiously

3. to speak or say monotonously as if intoning a chant

Other Word Forms

• chantingly adverb
• chanting noun
• chantable adjective
• half-chanted adjective
• unchanted adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of chant¹

First recorded in 1350–1400; (verb) Middle English chanten, from Middle French chanter, from Latin cantāre, frequentative of canere “to sing”; (noun) from French chant, from Latin cantus; canto

Word History and Origins

Origin of chant¹

C14: from Old French chanter to sing, from Latin cantāre, frequentative of canere to sing

Example Sentences

Following his death, Ozzy was given an emotional send-off as his coffin took a final journey through his home city, watched on by thousands of fans who chanted his name.

From BBC

"Stadiums are here, but where are the hospitals?" is a popular chant among the Gen Z protesters.

From BBC

The same crowd that can’t distinguish home runs from fly balls was chanting his first name throughout the ballpark after just two pitches.

From Los Angeles Times

A young organizer tried to start a chant of protest, but the majority made it clear that they preferred to stand quietly, and she gave up.

From Salon

Footage has emerged on social media of Shane Lowry leading the team in singing a popular chant created for McIlroy by the European fans.

From BBC

Related Words

• hymn 
• mantra 
• melody 
• shout 
• singing www.thesaurus.com
• tune